The Bachelor of Science in Pilot Operations (BSPO) provides graduates of the program the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to secure meaningful careers as pilots in the aviation industry.
This degree has been designed specifically to support pilots. As demand for pilots grows in the aviation industry, promotability and leadership in the profession will be decided by those possessing critical advanced knowledge, research skills and industry-related educational accomplishment. The BSPO provides an opportunity for pilot professionals to leverage their experience and credentials in a way that can create a valuable competitive advantage in this dynamic industry.
Enrollment into the BSPO will be limited to students who have a minimum of an FAA Private Pilot's License, an ICAO equivalent rating, or military pilots. Students who are working on their initial license and have not completed and passed their private pilot check ride will not be qualified for the BSPO.
The BSPO awards college credit for current certifications and is offered fully online with additional options for other learning modalities. The BSPO degree takes a balanced approach with integrated and interdisciplinary curriculum rooted in areas of 1) technical understanding, 2) aviation safety, 3) leadership, and 4) Aviation Legislation and Law:
- 1) Technical understanding: The student will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the essential operating systems of aircraft as they relate to fundamental pilot operations. Topics include aerodynamics, flight physiology, electrical systems, airframe systems, avionics, engine theory, meteorology, and aviation weather.
- 2) Aviation safety: The student will demonstrate an understanding and application of the scientific principles and programs related to aviation safety as they correlate with aircraft operations. Topics include human factors, aircraft accident investigation, and aviation safety program management.
- 3) Leadership: The student will engage to present an understanding and application of basic management concepts to achieve greater leadership opportunities within aviation flight organizations. Topics include airport management, corporate and business aviation, and management principles.
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4) Aviation Legislation and Law: The student will apply fundamental concepts in National and International Legislation and Law as they pertain to the aviation industry. Topics include Aviation Legislation, regulations and licensure pursuant to Commercial/Private Instrument Pilot Operations and Global Legal constructs.
Estimated Cost of Attendance
BSPO-MSA 4+1 Combined Pathway Program: Accelerated opportunity to earn an MSA
This program is for students who are committed to continuing their education through the Master’s degree. This fast-paced program allows qualifying students the opportunity to complete both the Bachelor of Science in Pilot Operations (BSPO) and the Master of Science in Aeronautics (MSA) in five academic years. While a bachelor’s degree will afford the student qualifications toward entry-level and management positions in aviation, the addition of a master’s degree will enable graduates opportunities for enhanced global leadership and larger income potential.
Students who are accepted in the BSPO-MSA 4+1 combined pathway program must complete a minimum of 75 credit hours toward the BSPO degree; all core courses must be taken. Students must confer with an advisor to ensure that the courses selected are suitable (a grade of B or better must be achieved). Upon completion of the BSPO requirements, students will be enrolled in the MSA and can complete their degree in one year. In any graduate course taken by an undergraduate student, a grade of B or better must be earned. If a grade of C or F is earned in any of the courses taken in lieu of the elective courses in the BSPO degree, the student will be removed from the program, have credit awarded to the BSPO degree only, and may continue to complete the BSPO degree.
As a minimum, the applicant must have at least a 3.00 GPA. Students initiate program acceptance through their Academic Advisor or Campus Advisor; to help ensure program criteria are met. Student Advisor will complete the request for processing into the 4+1 program.